Indonesia Launches Integrated 'SIZE' Disease Surveillance System in Java-Bali to Prevent Zoonotic Outbreaks
Indonesia's government has activated an integrated data system called SIZE across Java and Bali to detect zoonotic diseases like anthrax early, before they spread to densely populated areas. The system merges health, agriculture, and environment ministry data to track livestock movement across regions. While there is no immediate impact on tourists, this reflects strengthened public health monitoring in the region.
On October 27, 2026, the Indonesian government announced the activation of an integrated surveillance system called SIZE in Java and Bali, aimed at early detection of zoonotic diseases such as anthrax.
The system merges previously separate platforms—the Health Ministry's Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) and the Agriculture Ministry's National Animal Health Information System (iSIKHNAS)—by consolidating data across the Health, Agriculture, and Environment ministries. The goal is to track cross-regional movement of livestock and people to catch disease signals before they escalate into widespread outbreaks.
According to Nancy Dian Anggraeni of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Java and Bali were chosen first because the two islands account for roughly 60% of Indonesia's total population and have relatively developed IT infrastructure. She noted that if a disease affecting livestock in Bali or Yogyakarta were to spread through cattle and meat supply chains into Java, the risk of transmission would be significantly higher given the dense population.
Sumarjaya, Director of Health Surveillance and Quarantine at the Health Ministry, emphasized a shift in approach: disease control can no longer be limited to treating infected patients in hospitals but must trace back to the source at the animal and environmental level. He cited the Nipah virus, which has bats as a natural reservoir, as an example requiring active involvement from environmental and livestock sectors, not just human health authorities.
The government plans to expand the SIZE system to other regions based on disease risk mapping once operations in Java-Bali are optimized. There is currently no mention of any active disease outbreak or travel restrictions linked to this announcement.
Things to Consider
This is a preventive administrative measure, and there are currently no travel restrictions or direct impacts on tourists or residents. However, if you experience unusual symptoms (especially fever or skin abnormalities) while in Bali, consult a local medical facility promptly and mention any recent contact with animals. If you visit livestock markets or have contact with animals, avoid raw or undercooked animal products and practice thorough hand hygiene as a precaution.
Source: Tribunjogja.com